Physics Laboratory Technician

A leading independent school in Oxford are looking to appoint a Physics Laboratory Technician to work in with the Sixth Form students to support the delivery of Physics teaching to students ages 16-18, 32 hours per week, term time only with a few extra days required before and after term. The hours are 32 a week so either 4 long days or 5 shorter days.

You need to have relevant previous experience and familiarity with the handling of chemicals and scientific equipment. A good understanding of laboratory safety would be essential, and a science background or qualifications would be desirable.

Key responsibilities

Under the (overall) control of the head of department you will coordinate the use of practical resources and facilities and provide assistance and advice in meeting the practical needs of the science curriculum, including liaising with teaching staff and support staff outside the department.

• Preparation of resources, assembling apparatus.
• Obtaining materials by local purchase.
• Carrying out risk assessments.
• Assisting in practical classes & carrying out demonstrations.

To ensure the maintenance of a healthy and safe working environment through a variety of both daily and weekly activities, you and Laboratory Technician team are responsible for:

• Actively contributing to the assessment, monitoring and review of both health and

safety procedures and information resources

• Keeping up to date with current procedures and practices, including health and

safety requirements, through continuing professional development

• The provision of technical advice and support on health and safety issues to

teaching and trainee technical staff

• The safe treatment and disposal of used materials including hazardous substances

and responding to actual or potential hazards

• The healthy and safe storage and accessibility of equipment and materials
• To contribute to the design, development, and maintenance of specialist resources

and/or long-term projects:

• To support the teacher in ensuring the availability of suitable materials and

equipment, helping to compile orders and liaising or negotiating with suppliers and

finance departments. This will include sourcing, costing, and suggesting economic alternatives to maintain stock levels. Keeping up-to-date stock records.

• Under the (overall) guidance of the teacher, to ensure that both routine and nonroutine checking, cleaning, maintenance, calibration, testing and repairing of

equipment is carried out to the required standard:

Person Specification

• Organisational and observation skills and attention to detail.
• A thorough and methodical approach to work.
• The ability to record test results accurately and write reports of your findings.
• Teamwork skills: you will work with teachers, students and other technicians.
• Initiative and the ability to work without supervision.
• The ability to use a wide variety of laboratory equipment.
• Computer and word-processing skills.
• An enquiring mind, with willingness to learn and develop new skills.

This position is term time only, 34 weeks per year, and the hours are 32 a week so either 4 long days or 5 shorter days. Salary offered is £20 - £25k pro rata depending on experience. Free lunch in term time, pension, cycle to school scheme, eye care vouchers, access to health and wellbeing and discount to local sports and leisure clubs and discounted fees to children of staff attending the school.